Automatic stock bar feed mechanism for automatic metalworking machines



Feb. 10, 1942. E. s. MARIOTTE 2,272,720

AUTOMATIC STOCK BAR FEED MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC METALWORKING MACHINES Filed Aug. 21, 1940 '3 Shee'ts-Sheet 1 INVENTOK Feb. 10, 1942- E. s. MARIOTTE 2,272,720 AUTOMATIC STOCK BAR FEED MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC METALWORKING MACHINES Filed Aug. 21, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Wm M/JV aria/runs.

Feb. 10, 1942. E. s. MARIOTTE 2,272,720

AUTOMATIC STOCK BAR FEED MECHANISM FOR AUTOMATIC METALWORKING MACHINES Filed Aug. 21, 1940 S Sheets-Sheet 3 no I a Patented Feb. 10, 1942 aurom'rrc s'rocx Eugene S. Mariotte, North Syracuse, Y., aa-

signor to W. (2. Line, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New York I Application August 21,1940, Serial No. 353,545

15Claims.

This invention relates to stock bar feeding mechanism for automatic machine tools or metal working machines, as lathes and automatic screw machines.

It has for its object a feed mechanism embodying a pressure operated plunger working in a cylinder or tube to push the stock bar through the passa e of an automatic lathe to the tools thereof wi means for momentarily dampening the starting impulse of the plunger, after it has been started or for overcoming the static inertia thereof, in order to prevent hammering of the bar against the stop of the metal working machine.

It also has or its object means for absorbing the shock of e bar against the stop, and thereby preventing, ebound and hence displacement ofthe stock liar relatively to the tools of the screw machine It further as for its object a mounting for the tube by hich, when the tube is shifted out of alinement with the passage of the metal working machine, the fluid pressure or air passing to the tube to actuate the plunger under the force of the air out of the tube, and also the remnant of the bar which may be left in the tube, and also for preventing the flow of air to the tube unless the tube is alined with the stock bar passage of the machine.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions here inafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of a feed mechanism embodying this invention an automatic lathe, with parts omitted, being shown.

Figure 2 is an end elevation looking to the right in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 3-3, Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view taken on line 4-4, Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a sectional view on ure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view through the feed tube and the plunger therein.

Figure 'l is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view through the stop of the screw machine.

Figure 8 is a sectional detail view illustrating line 5-5, Figthe two-way valve in the conduit through which 65 the air is supplied to the tube to actuate the plunger therein.

. l designates generally the machine tool as a lathe having a head 3 formed with apassage l through which the stock bar is fed to the tools,

not shown, of the machine. 5 designates a table on which the tools or tool posts or holders are mounted.

8 designates thestop against which the stock bar is fed after each operation, it being understood that the bar is fed against the stop, and a. portion thereof operated on by the tools, the machined or finished article out 01f, and the bar again fed up against the stock, and that this :5 operation is repeated until the stock bar is used up or too short to be used for an additional article.

The feed mechanism includes a tube 1 for receiving the stock .bar and nornially mounted in alinement with the passage 4, and a feed plunger 8 movable in the tube, the tube being closed or having a head a at it end remote from the end through which the stock bar S is fed, forming a cylinder for a pressure fluid, as compressed air. The tube is mounted to swing or swivel into two radial positions for a purpose hereinafter described. "I'he swivelling movement is preferably in a horizontal plane. The tube is carried by a collar or bracket l mounted to rotate or swivel about a stem I I threading into the top of a housing I 2. The stem II is threaded for thepurpose o1 eflecting a vertical adjustment of the tube, in order to aline the tube in the horizontal plane of the passage 4, that is, in order to adjust the 35 height of the tube 1.

' l3 designates a pressure chamber located within the housing or base l2,and connected, as through a pipe l4, to a suitable source of compressed air. The pressure chamber communi- 40 cates through a valve controlled conduit l with a flexible pipe or hose 16 which communicates with the tube 1 through the head 9. I1 is a pressure gage communicating-through a pipe I8 I with the conduit l5 between the valve therein 45 and the conduit IS, in order to indicate the pressure in the tube The pressure chamber embodies a valve to regulate the pressure delivered to the conduit l5 and hence to the tube 1.

The valve is operable to adjust the pressure by means, as a screw I3 The construction of the chamber I3 and its regulating valve per se forms no part of this invention. The chamber l3, conduit I 5, pressure gage and connections are all grouped together within the housing l2. The overhanging end or portion of the tube between the bracket l2 and the machine I is supported to have. a vertical adjustment. The overhanging portion is here shown as carried by a standard 2| at the upper end of 22 provided with a laterally extending slot 22 through which the tube 1 extends, the slot permitting radial shifting of the tube into and out of alinement with the passage 4. The bracket 22 is adjustable vertically relatively to the stand-- ard, in order to adjust the height of the tube 1 by a nut 22. The tube is normally alined with the passage 4 and is preferably locked in this position by a lock or latch 24 (see Figure 4). When it is desired to put a new stock bar in the tube, the latch 24 is released and the tube I swung out of the position shown in Figure 4 along the slot 22 into the broken line position (Figure 4). In order to prevent unlocking operation and the swinging of the tube I out of its nomal position, when the valve in the pipe I2 is open, means is provided by which the lock 24 can not be unlocked until the air behind the plunger 2 has been released, that is, until the valve in the conduit i2 is closed.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, the lock 24 is pivoted at 22 to the bracket 22 and swings about its pivot from the full line position to the broken line position, but is held from being unlocked while the valve in the pipe i2 is open.

22 (Figure 8) designates the movable member of a two-way valve mounted in a casing 21, which casing is connected in the pipe II. The valve member 22 is normally operated by a handle 22 mclmted on the bracket 22 and connected through a flexible shaft 22 to the movable valve member. The handle 22 and the lock 24 are so formed that the handle prevents pivotal movement of the lock 24, when the handle is in its position occupied when the valve 22 is open, and permitsshiftingoithelockfl outoflocking position, when the handle 22 is operated to close the valve 22, the position of the handle 22, when the valve is open. being indicated in full lines (Figure 4), and when closed, in broken lines.

here showm'the hub 22 or the lock is prowith an arcuate cut-out 2|, which receives 22 of the handle 22 when the valve is in closedpositiomandalsowhenthelockflisin lockingpodtiomandthehubuofthehandle 22 is provided with a similar cut-out 22 arran ed to be brought into juxtaposition to the hub22whenthehandle22isturnedtoclose 'Ihus,thetube1isheldlockedin handle 22 to close the valve 22, the cut-out 22 of the handle registers with the cut-out 2| so thatthelockllcanbethenswungonitspivot out of locking position, and the tube shifted laterally out of alinement with the passage 4. when in this position. the handle is locked from turned to open the valve until the latch to its locking position. It can not beturnedtoitslockingpositiomuntilthetube n returned to its normal position, n in Figure 4. the shifting of the the dotted line position to full line its normal position, became the tube when in its shifted position blocks the return movement of the lock 24.

The means or momentarily releasing the pressure against the plunger 2, after the which is carried a bracket been given a starting impulse or for dampening the movement of the plunger, after the static inertia has been overcome, is here shown as em bodied in the plunger itself and comprises an inert weighted member 22 mounted on the plunger to have a forward and rearward movement, said member normally closing a by-pass from the pressure side of the plunger to the nonpressure side. and momentarily operating to open said by-pass.

As seen in Figure 6, the plunger 2 is shown as provided with a head 22 having an axial stem 21 along which the inert weighted member 22 is shiftable against the action of a light retuming spring 22. When the automatic machine has completed the one operation and cut off one article from the stock bar. the air pressure in the tube I behind the plunger 2 acts to push the plunger 2 forwardly and feed the stock bar. This sudden starting impulse causes the inert member 22 to shift to the left (Figure 6) and uncover a the port 22 of the by-pass 42, which port opens through the periphery of the stem 21 so that momentarily the air is released from the pressure side of the plunger through the port 22 and by-pass 42 and branches 4| therefrom into a clearance 42 between the periphery of the body of the plunger and the bore of the tube 1, The plunger at the head thereof is provided with a suitable packing 42 between it and the bore oi the tube 1. Thus, immediately after the starting impulse is given to the plunger 2, the pressure is momentarily released or exhausted, and the feeding movement 01' the plunger dampened. This greatly opposes the momentum of the plunger 2 and reduces the force with which the end oi the stock bar strikes the stop 2. The plunger 8 also include a rotating head 44 which thrusts againstthe end of the bar stock 8. this having a stem 42 suitably journalled in antifriction bearings 42 in the body oi the plunger 2.

Preferably, means is provided preventing rebound cf the stock bar, and this means is illustrated as embodied in the stop 2, or as applied to the stop 2. It consists of a yieldingly re tractile cor spring-cushioned spindle 41 slidably mounted in a body or tube 42 which is applied totheopeninginthestop2ofthescrewmachine, the spindle 41 being in effect a plunger workinginaboreinthebody againstthe action of an air dash pot formed in the body 42 and having a restricted outlet 22 which can be not be accomplished unless the tube regulated by means of a valve, as a needle valve II. This dash pot also has a comparatively large air inlet at 22 provided with a check valve 22 for preventing the outlet of the air through the inlet.

In operation, the spindle or plunger 41 is forced rearwardly by the stock bar when being fed by the plunger 2 and cushioned both by the spring 42 and by air escaping through the restricted outlet 22, and the retracting movement of the spindle 41 is limited by the end of the stock bar coming against the stop surface 24 at the end of the body or tube 42. The dash pot action not only cushions the blow of the stock bar but also prevents rebound or re-action. During the machining operation, the end of the stock bar is against the stop 24, and when the machining operation is completed, and the tinished end of the stock bar cut off, the spring returns the plunger 41 to its normal projecting position, shown in Figure 7, the check valve 22 opening and permitting a quick inlet of air to plunger has eifect a quick return.

pulse.

2.'In an automatic stock bar feed for automatic metal working machines, a feed tube closed at one end forming a cylinder, a push plunger movable in the tube, mean for supplying a pres sure fluid to the closed end of the tube behind the plunger toactuate the plunger to feed the bar, and means for momentarily exhausting the pressure from the pressure side of the plunger after the plunger has been given a starting impulse, said means being embodied in the plunger.

3. In an automatic stock bar feed for automatic metal working machines, a feed tube, a

push plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the tube behind the plunger to actuate the same to feed the bar, the

plunger being provided with a by-pas's from the pressure side thereof to the other side, which pushes against the stock bar, an inert member carried by the plunger and normally closing said by-pass, said member having a shifting movethe pressure side of the plunger, after-the plunger has been given a starting impulse, and means a for preventing rebound of the stock bar away from the stop.

"I. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools, and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; of an automatic stock bar feed mechanism including a tube normally alined .with said passage and closed at one end providing a cylinder, a-plunger movable in the. tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said stop, and means for preventing rebound of the bar away from the stop, said means being embodied in the stop.

'8. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having .a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; 01' an automatic stock bar feed mechanism including a tube normally arranged in alinement with said passage and closed at one end providing a cylinder,

a plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying'pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said stop, and mean embodied in the stop for preventing rebound of the bar away from the ment lengthwise of the plunger to open said bypass, under the starting impulse of the plunger by the air, and means for returning the inert member to its normal position, after the plunger is started.

4. In an automatic stock bar feed for automatic metal working machines, a feed tube, a

push plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the tube behind the plunger to actuate the same to feed the bar, the plunger having a stem on the pressure side thereof and a by-pass opening through the periphery of the stem and into the tube on the side of the plunger pushing against the bar, an inert member slidably mounted on the stem and normally closing said passage and being movable axially away from the plunger to uncover said passage under the startingimpulse of the plunger by the pressure fluid, and means for returning the inert member to its normal position after the plunger is started.

5. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools, and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; of an automatic stock bar feed mechanism including a tube normally alined with said passage and closed at one end providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for. actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said stop, and means for preventing rebound oi the bar away from the stop.

6. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools, and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; of an automatic stock bar feed mechanism including a tube normally alined with said passage andclosed at one end providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said stop, means for momentarily exhausting the pressure from stop including a plunger for receiving the impact of the stock bar and-yieldingly retractile under the push of the bar. 7

9. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools, and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; of an automatic'stockv bar feed mechanism including a tube normally alined with said passage and closed at one end providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said-stop, and means embodied in the stop for preventing .rebound of the bar away from the stop and including a spring-returned plunger for coacting within the stock bar, and an air dash pot in which the plunger works.

10. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools, and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; of an automatic stock bar feed mechanism including a tube normally alined with said passage, the tube being closed at one end providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said stop, and means embodied in the stop for preventing rebound of the bar away from the stop comprising a spring-retumed plunger for coacting with the stock bar, and an air dash pot in which the plunger works, the dash pot having an adjustable outlet valve.

11. The combination with an automatic metal working machine having a passage through which the stock bar is fed to the tools, and a stop for limiting the feeding movement; of an automatic stock bar feed mechanism including a tube normally alined with said passage, the tube being closed at one end providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger to feed the bar against said stop, and means embodied in the stop for preventing rebound of the bar away from the 4 stop comprising a spring-returned plunger for coacting with the stock bar, and an air dash pot in which the plunger works, the dash pot having an adJustable outlet valve, and being provided with a comparatively large inlet, and a check valve therein for preventing outlet of the air through the inlet.

12. In an automatic stock bar feed mechanism for automatic metal working machines having a passage for the stock bar, a feed tube normally aimed with said passage, the tube being closed at its end remote from stock bar is fed providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, and means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger, said tube being mounted to shift radially out of alinement with said passage for the insertion of the stock bar.

13. In an automatic stock bar feed mechanism for automatic metal working machines having a passage for the stock bar, a feed tube normally alined with said passage, the tube being closed at its end remote from the end through which the stock bar is fed providing a cylinder, a plunger movable in the tube, and means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger, said tube being mounted to shift radially out of alinement with said passage for permitting the insertion of the stock bar, a valve for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to the tube, means for opening and closing the valve and means controlled thereby for preventing shifting of the tube laterally out of normal position when the valve is open, and preventing opening of the valve when the tube is shifted out of its normal position.

14. In an automatic stock bar feed for automatic metal working machines having a passage the end through which the for the stock bar. a feed tube normally alined with said passage the tube being closed at its end remote from the end through which the stock bar is ted, providing a cylinder, a plunger in the tube, means for supplying a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger. said tube being mounted to'shiit radially out of alinement with said passage, a valve for controlling the flow of pressure fluid to the tube, manual means for opening and closing the valve, a lock for holding the tube in-its normal position, the lock and the valve operated means having coacting parts operating to permit movement of the look only when permit opening of the valve only when the lock is in locking position relative to the tube.

15. In an automatic stock bar feed for automatic metal working machines having a passage for the stock bar, a feed tube normally alined with said passage, the tube being closed at its end remote from the end through which the stock bar is fed, providing a cylinder, a plunger in the tube, means for supplyin a pressure fluid to the closed end of the tube for actuating the plunger, said tube being mounted to shift radially out of alinement with said passage, a valve for controlling the flow of pressure fluid t0 the tube, manual means for opening and closing the valve, a lock for holding the tube in its normal position, the lock and the valve operated means having coacting parts operating to p rmit movement of the lock only when the valve is closed and to permit opening of the valve only when the lock is in looking position relative to the tube. the tube and the lock coacting when the tube is shifted out of normal position to prevent shifting of the look into locking position.

EUGENE S. MARIOTTE.

the valve is closed and to g 

